Is Java still relevant? This is a question that has been asked by many businesses that are considering moving to another programming language. The answer, however, is not as simple as a yes or no. While Java has been around for over two decades and is one of the most popular programming languages, it may not be the best option for every business. There are other languages that have gained popularity in recent years and offer different benefits and businesses should consider their specific needs before making a decision.

We decided to make a list of the reasons you should or should not use Java. The pros and cons highlighted in this article will be based on the current needs of Java, new technologies entering the scene that are replacing segments of Java, how long companies are using Java now before they move to another programming language. 

What is Java used for?

Java remains versatile and widely used, especially in enterprise and backend applications, cloud-based solutions, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. One common use for Java is developing Android apps. Android uses the Java language but not the full Java SE platform. 

Although Kotlin has become the preferred choice for Android development, Java remains essential for legacy systems and cross-platform solutions, particularly in finance, healthcare, and telecom sectors.

Popular uses for Java include web applications, big data, mobile application development, enterprise software development, and more. 

One of the main benefits of Java is that it is platform independent, meaning that it can be run on any operating system. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses that need to develop cross-platform applications. 

Java’s platform independence makes it reliable for developing applications that must run on various operating systems, which is invaluable in enterprise environments. It is a very popular language for enterprise applications. It’s often used to build robust, scalable, and secure systems. Some of the world’s largest companies use Java for mission-critical applications.

Java’s performance in cloud-native applications is enhanced with tools like Spring Boot, which optimize Java for building efficient microservices and scalable systems. The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) continues to offer cross-platform compatibility, allowing Java code to run on various devices and infrastructures without modification.

Another benefit of Java is that it is relatively easy to learn compared to other programming languages. This makes it a good choice for businesses that want to train their staff in-house. Java also has a large and active community of developers who are always creating new libraries and tools.

Java’s popularity over the years

Java has been one of the most popular programming languages in the world for many years. Its popularity is due to its simplicity, robustness, and portability. It is a versatile language that can be used for a wide range of applications, from small devices to large-scale enterprise systems. Java is also relatively easy to learn, which has helped to contribute to its popularity.

There are a number of reasons why Java has remained so popular over the years. One is that it is a versatile language that can be used for a wide range of applications. Java can be used for both desktop and web applications, and it has excellent support for both object-oriented and functional programming paradigms. This makes it an attractive choice for developers who want to be able to write code that will run on a variety of platforms.

Another reason for Java’s popularity is its relative ease of learning compared to other languages. While Java is not necessarily the easiest language to learn, it is easier than many others, such as C++ or Assembly. This makes it more attractive to beginners and those who want to get up and running quickly with development projects.

Java has excellent support from both open source community and commercial vendors. There are many high-quality libraries and frameworks available for Java development, as well as robust tooling support from IDEs such as Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA. This makes it an attractive platform for both individuals and organizations looking to build large-scale applications.

Java’s popularity is fueled by its adaptability and robust community. In 2025, it remains among the top three languages, although new languages like Python, Go, and Kotlin continue to gain traction. Java’s ecosystem, backed by innovations like GraalVM (improving performance and memory efficiency) and Project Loom (addressing concurrency), supports its relevance in modern development.

Java pros and cons

There are many pros and cons to using Java, both as a programming language and as a platform. On the plus side, Java is very popular and widely used, so there is a large amount of support and documentation available. It is also relatively easy to learn, compared to other languages. On the downside, Java can be slower and less efficient, particularly when compared to newer languages such as Go. It also has a reputation for being somewhat verbose and difficult to read.

On the plus side, Java is an object-oriented language with a well-defined set of rules (known as the Java Language Specification). This can make code written in Java more maintainable than code written in other languages. Additionally, the use of bytecode makes Java programs portable, meaning they can run on any platform that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

Pros of Java in 2025

1. Widespread Usage and Support: Java is supported by a global network of developers and organizations, ensuring access to a wealth of documentation, libraries, and frameworks.
2. Platform Independence: Java’s “write once, run anywhere” principle is crucial for companies developing applications that must run on multiple platforms, especially in cross-platform mobile and web development.
3. Cloud Readiness: With modern frameworks like Spring Boot and Quarkus, Java applications integrate seamlessly with cloud services, enhancing Java’s role in cloud-native architectures and microservices.
4. Robust Security: Security remains a priority, with built-in mechanisms like the Java Security Manager, providing enterprises with trusted solutions for secure application development.
5. Developer Ecosystem and Tooling: Extensive tools like Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and Visual Studio Code, paired with active community support, keep Java viable and adaptable to emerging tech trends.

Cons of Java in 2025

1. Performance and Memory Consumption: Although Java’s performance has improved with GraalVM and ongoing JVM enhancements, it can still be resource-intensive compared to languages optimized for efficiency, such as Go.
2. Verbosity and Complexity: Java’s verbosity can make it feel complex, especially when compared to more concise languages like Python or Kotlin.
3. Reduced Preference for Android Development: With Google prioritizing Kotlin for Android, Java is less popular for mobile app development but remains a strong choice in legacy Android systems and cross-platform projects.

Java is the most popular programming language and based on that alone, it might seem like Java isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. 

Comparative Analysis: Java vs. Other Popular Languages in 2025

Factor	Java	Python	JavaScript	Go
Performance	High, but can be resource-intensive; JVM optimizations (e.g., GraalVM) improve runtime efficiency.	Moderate, slower than Java and Go; suited for non-intensive tasks	Moderate, mostly for front-end but slower in backend due to single-threaded nature.	High, with low-latency and efficiency ideal for scalable systems.
Libraries	Extensive libraries for enterprise, cloud, and big data (Spring, Hibernate, Apache libraries).	Strong libraries for data science, AI/ML, and scripting (Pandas, NumPy, TensorFlow).	Vast libraries for front-end, backend, and full-stack development (React, Node.js, Express).	Lightweight libraries geared toward systems and network programming.
Community Support	Mature, with extensive resources and a large developer base, strong open-source backing (OpenJDK).	Strong support, highly active in open-source projects and educational resources.	Extensive, with active community support for web technologies, frameworks, and modern JS libraries.	Growing, especially popular for cloud-native and infrastructure-focused development.
Primary Use Cases	Enterprise applications, cloud services, backend systems, Android (legacy), and cross-platform solutions.	Data science, machine learning, web development (backend), scripting, and automation.	Web development, single-page applications, backend (Node.js), and full-stack projects.	Microservices, cloud-native applications, and high-performance systems.
Learning Curve	Moderate; easier than C++ but more complex than Python.	Easy; widely taught with beginner-friendly syntax.	Moderate; less complex than Java, but modern JavaScript frameworks can add complexity.	Moderate; simpler syntax, but tailored for specific use cases like concurrency.
Scalability	Highly scalable, suitable for large systems with complex workflows.	Limited scalability, suited for smaller to medium applications.	Scalable in web development but limited in high-performance, compute-intensive applications.	Very scalable; designed for high-concurrency, distributed systems.

This comparison highlights that each language has its specific strengths and ideal applications, with Java maintaining a strong position in enterprise and backend development, while languages like Go are suited to cloud-native and scalable systems. 

JavaScript dominates the web and front end, and Python remains popular for data science and automation tasks. Each language’s unique attributes mean that businesses can select the best one based on their needs and project requirements.

Is Java still relevant in 2025?

There’s no doubt that Java has been one of the most popular programming languages for many years now. But with newer languages such as Python and Go gaining popularity, some people are wondering if Java is still relevant. In 2025, Java will be 29 years old and will remain one of the most popular programming languages in the world. In our opinion, Java is definitely still relevant and will continue to be so for at least the next five years. Here’s why:

First of all, Java is a very versatile language. It can be used for developing web applications, mobile apps, desktop apps, big data applications, and more. There really isn’t anything that Java can’t be used for.

Second, Java is well supported by both major development platforms – Android and Windows. This means that if you’re developing for either of these platforms, you can be confident that there will be good support for Java.

Third, there’s a huge amount of existing code written in Java. This legacy codebase means that there’s a lot of demand for developers who know how to work with Java. Companies aren’t going to want to rewrite all their existing code in a new language when they could just keep using Java and hire developers who know how to work with it.

Despite all this, there are some companies who have decided to move away from Java – usually in favor of languages like Python or Swift. This is often due to the fact that these newer languages offer greater flexibility and ease of use, along with better performance in some cases.

Nevertheless, Java continues to thrive due to its versatility, cross-platform compatibility, and the vast, mature ecosystem. Its integration in cloud and enterprise applications and support for high-performance computing ensures it remains relevant. With modern updates to the JVM and innovations like Project Valhalla (value types) and Loom, Java is adapting to developers’ needs in 2025 and beyond.

Should you choose Java for your business?

As a business owner, you have to make a lot of decisions about the technology you use. One of the most important decisions is what programming language to use for your website and applications. There are many languages to choose from, but Java’s popularity can’t be questioned. Here are some reasons why you should consider using Java for your business:

1. Java is a very versatile language that can be used for a wide range of applications. Whether you need a simple website or a complex application, Java can handle it.

2. Java is also very reliable. It is one of the most widely used languages in the world, so you know that it is well-tested and trustworthy.

3. Java is also great for cross-platform development. If you want your website or application to work on multiple platforms, Java is a good option.

While Java is a powerful language, there are a few drawbacks to consider for business use. For one, finding highly qualified Java developers can sometimes be challenging, as newer languages have gained popularity. Additionally, Java has a steeper learning curve compared to some simpler languages. Despite these challenges, Java remains a strong and reliable choice for developers and businesses alike.

Java’s proven reliability, extensive ecosystem, and adaptability to evolving technology make it a valuable choice for business applications. Its stability is evident in sectors like banking, where mission-critical applications require a language that prioritizes security and performance. While it has limitations, Java’s continued relevance and innovation make it a strategic choice for enterprises and development teams.

So, is Java still relevant in 2025? The answer is a resounding yes! Even though there are newer languages out there, Java has remained popular due to its versatility and robustness. It can be used for everything from developing Android apps to building enterprise-level applications. Java’s performance has improved significantly with JVM optimizations and GraalVM, making it more competitive in high-performance applications than before.